TALENTED young pupils from Craigmarloch School will officially open this year's Inverclyde Music Festival.

Musicians and singers from the Port Glasgow school are set to steal the show when the curtain goes up on Monday morning.

Pupil Aidan Gibson says he can't wait to perform on the big stage in Greenock Town Hall.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it a lot.

"When I'm on stage it makes me feel happy."

Festival president Isabel Lind says she is thrilled that the 'outstanding' young performers will take centre stage on the first day of the annual event.

She said: "Craigmarloch over the years have built up a reputation at the festival for their outstanding performances.

"The adjudicators are always so impressed by Craigmarloch and the commitment of the staff in the children's performances.

"We really enjoy having them at the festival and it's very fitting that they are opening it."

Mark Browne, who is one of the music teachers at the school, says the pupils in the school's Red Hot Rock Stars group and the senior phase S5/6 group, are proud as punch to be opening the festival.

He said: "We're looking forward to taking part.

"It's a fabulous opportunity for our young people to perform in such a renowned venue."

Last year the school were presented with the Gemma McLean trophy for outstanding contribution.

Mr Browne added: "We were thrilled to win that last year.

"This year it's a huge honour to be opening the festival."